McCue Garden Center

I have been purchasing my Christmas Tree's at McCue's for the past 6 years. The last 2 years I found the quality of the trees to be different, not as fresh or fragrant. I asked if my last tree was fragrant, staff said it was, but it was not.. You must check with sales staff on what you are looking for in a tree. Most importantly, check the trunk for imperfections. Two years ago, I ended up with one that had overgrowth at the bottom which caused problems with the tree stand. I had to take it back and it was replaced. Go during the day, not at dusk so you can inspect the trees. I was surprised that this tree wasn't previously cut back or discarded prior to landing on the pile of trees being sold. That issue is their's and should not be on the customer. However, it's important to carefully inspect anything you buy now. Don't expect that from anyone who does business. I realize it should be part of their policy but it's a new world. Aside from the tree issue, I find overall their plants and gift shop to be appealing, but a bit pricey unless you are lucky enough to find items on sale. Customer service could be better. You definitely have to love plants and gardening. Sadly it doesn't pay well to work in garden centers and most jobs are filled by teenagers starting their first job or family members of the business owner. Some staff have been very helpful, while others force you to figure it out on your own. I generally shop at Weston Nurseries in Chelmsford because I love their variety of outdoor plants. They have a mix of experienced staff who can help you with any questions about plant care. I prefer to make the 40 minute drive to Chelmsford (avoid Hopkinton location same issues described above as well as Mahoney's), than to deal with what we have here in the Boston area. I was told by a former florist owner, that many of the local nurseries get their plants shipped from unknown suppliers. I don't know if that's true for McCue's, but I believe Mahoney's has been practicing this so I stopped going after I was forced to toss out 7 gnat infested houseplants they refused to refund. Check their reviews, I'm not alone. I will be checking reviews before deciding on future purchases and services. If you love to garden, check out Weston Nurseries in Chelmsford. I may get my next Christmas tree there.

My husband and I purchased a 12 foot Christmas tree today from McCue's Flower Outlet in Billerica. We were so excited to be able to have such a large tree, as we now have a house with a ceiling that would allow for that. It took a few people to get the tree in but we were successful. Unfortunately, when we stood up the tree in the base and tried to straighten the tree we realized that the trunk of the tree was curved. The curve of the tree would not support at tree that size to stand in the base. We had to actually take a chain saw into the house to cut down 2 feet to where the trunk start to straighten out a little, although it is still curved. I went to the outlet to ask if we could get some sort of refund as the curve of the trunk would not allow for a tree that size to stand straight in a base. Isabelle Rodriguez, the manager on at the time, denied our request. Another individual actually questioned how curved it could have been and appeared to be questioning the story. They said they could not see it. I have never been around as poor customer service as this in a long time. I paid $130 for a tree that I had to take a chain saw to in my own house. I was requesting that we pay the amount that was appropriate for a 10 foot versus 12 foot tree and they denied. I am disgusted by the lack of understanding and the questioning of what I was reporting. We will never be purchasing a tree from there again.

Great local garden center that has been around and family owned for many years. Their prices aren't low, but they have a great selection and they are a nice local business and a friend of the community. Always helping out the community.